Prospect Ramblings

Zach Hopkins checks in with the latest on some Flyers prospects, the Frozen Four and more...

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Hello again. This is your favorite rookie rambler Zach Hopkins back for another edition of Prospect Ramblings. I’ll be splitting this week with my good pal Austin Wallace (look for his ramblings later this week) so hold on and enjoy the ride!

Those of you who are familiar with me know that I scout the Philadelphia Flyers organization and typically start my ramblings off with some thoughts on the orange and black. This time around, I think I’ll switch it up. Just kidding; here we go…

February 2015 - To say Curtis Lazar has had exciting rookie campaign is an understatement. With seven points in his first 27 games with the Sens, Lazar was loaned to Team Canada and was provided a unique leadership opportunity to serve as captain of the 2014-2015 World Junior team. Arguably the team’s most important and most consistent player during the tournament, Lazar provided nine points in seven games and finished as plus eight on a line with Connor McDavid. His leadership on and off the ice was a valuable aspect to the teams gold medal run. As Lazar returns to Ottawa, there may be a slight World Junior hangover, but look for him to continue to build on experience that he gained from the WJC and in the second half of his rookie season. Kevin LeBlanc

September 2014 – Decisions, decisions. Curtis Lazar has become quite the topic of conversation in the nation’s capital. Although many would agree Lazar could use another year in junior, his tenacity and work ethic is a sight for sore eyes on a Senators team that simply lacked identity and confidence last season. On a team that has lost two captains in two seasons, including the face of the franchise (Jason Spezza), Lazar’s natural leadership qualities on the ice seem to be too valuable to pass up on. The Vernon, BC native will definitely get his nine game tryout to begin the year. Where he plays and how he plays will go a long way in determining his season expectations. That being said, Lazar has been extremely impressive. He’s physical, plays a 200-foot game, and has great playmaking ability in the offensive third. Lazar has all of the makings to be a strong top six forward with lots of offensive upside. Nathan Martin

May 2014 - In his final (likely) CHL season, Curtis Lazar helped lead his Edmonton OilKings to a 2014 CHL MasterCard Memorial Cup Championship and the young WHL star was named to the tournament All-Star team as a result of his impressive performance, scoring twice and recording four points in five games. Brendan Ross

January 2013 - Curtis Lazar made quite the impression at the World Junior for Canada. Although the British Columbia native wasn’t as noticeable as teammate Johnathan Drouin, he provided vital defensive support as a center and played virtually mistake-free hockey. Lazar cuts no corners and plays a 200-foot game. He’s physical, strong on the puck and has great vision around the net. Lazar is only 18-years young and will likely get another shot at the World Juniors next year. For now Lazar will return to the Edmonton Oil Kings where he has 22 goals and 17 assists in 29 games, posting an impressive plus-28 in the process. Nathan Martin

December 2013 - Curtis Lazar is one of 13 forwards selected to the Canadian Under-20 World Junior roster for the upcoming Championships in Malmo, Sweden. Lazar will shift to the wing to start the tournament with Canada's bevy of centers and provide Canada with a strong two-way game. Brendan Ross

October 2013 – Curtis Lazar exploded out of the gate to start the season for the Edmonton Oil Kings. In 12 games so far this season the BC native has 19 points (10 goals and nine assists) and is plus-14. Not only has Lazar been piling up the points, but he started the season with a 10-game point streak. Nathan Martin

July 2013 - Early in his career, Curtis Lazar has proven to be a winner after winning several major championships that include the Bantam Ice Hockey Championship, Canada Winter Games, the WHL Championship and also Ivan Hlinka Gold. Lazar is a hard-working two-way centreman with loads of character. He is a gifted skater with impeccable balance and has shown a real knack for scoring goals with a dangerous shot. Improvement in his playmaking game and vision would go a long way with him rounding out to be a complete offensive player. Brendan Ross

Prospect Ramblings

Zach Hopkins checks in with the latest on some Flyers prospects, the Frozen Four and more...

*

Hello again. This is your favorite rookie rambler Zach Hopkins back for another edition of Prospect Ramblings. I’ll be splitting this week with my good pal Austin Wallace (look for his ramblings later this week) so hold on and enjoy the ride!

Those of you who are familiar with me know that I scout the Philadelphia Flyers organization and typically start my ramblings off with some thoughts on the orange and black. This time around, I think I’ll switch it up. Just kidding; here we go…